The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) recently held its largest Women’s Leadership class to date at the Winpisinger Center. The event marked a milestone for the union, as it was the final Women’s Leadership class led by Julie Frietchen before she transitions to her new position as Director of the Winpisinger Center.
“It’s very exciting news that the numbers are growing every year in these programs,” said Frietchen. She also noted that there was a waitlist for this year’s class, which included IAM women from both the United States and Canada.
The Women’s Leadership program aims to empower and educate female members of IAM, helping them strengthen their leadership abilities and increase their influence in workplaces and communities. Over the past three years, Frietchen has directed this program and mentored members to promote gender equity within both IAM and the broader labor movement.
During the week-long session, participants attended workshops covering topics such as organizing, collective bargaining, public speaking, communications, union leadership, political advocacy, and women’s history. These activities were designed to help participants develop skills and build connections, reinforcing IAM’s commitment to giving women a voice in workplace decisions.
As part of their training in communications, attendees created an original post for publication on IAM Union’s social media platforms, including Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
